Dear Ron,

I  am writing to give you some feedback on the effectiveness of my Mosquito Management System.

This Property backs onto the Nerang River - on the Gold  Coast, Australia, and there is a billabong between the property boundary and the  river. This billabong is normally filled with stagnant water - a perfect haven  for mosquitoes to breed. We have a large covered patio area to the side of the  house, which we enjoy using for relaxation as it overlooks the river. However,  biting insects (both midges and mosquitoes) have been a problem and considerably detract from our enjoyment of our outdoor living area.

We have tried a  number of remedies with limited success. Personal insect protection of the  roll-on or spray-on type is reasonably effective. However, a number of these  preparations contain chemicals which are known to be harmful to humans. We have  used an insect repellent produced by Mortein, which has a strip of  chemical-impregnated material and plugs into a power point. This was quite  effective. However, one needed to plug it in at least half an hour before one  wishes to sit outside, and this is not always practicable. I did not consider  the "zapper" type devices (which work on a blue light and a high voltage grid to electrocute flying insects), as I am aware that devices of this type actually repel mosquitoes. I did discover an insect trap which has a blue light underneath a plastic tray, on which one spreads a tablespoon of oil. The blue light attracts insects and they drown in the oil. This also works, but it attracts insects of all descriptions (mainly moths), and needs to be cleaned  every couple of days or so. It also attracts cane toads which sit under the trap trying to catch the insects!

I was therefore very interested when I noticed your advertisement in the local press and I sent for more information. I must admit that I initially found the price to be quite a deterrent, particularly as I was not sure how effective it would be. However, I was keen to try something that might work and did not seem to have the drawbacks of other  systems. I also had in mind that not only are biting insects a nuisance, but there is also the risk of contracting diseases such as Ross River Fever. I considered the opportunity cost of contracting such a disease might well exceed the cost of the Mosquito Management System.

I had my Mosquito Management System installed on 15th  December 1999, so it has been in operation for quite some time. I must say that  I am very pleased indeed with its performance. I will not pretend that it  catches every mosquito in the area. However, it does catch a great number of both mosquitoes and midges, while catching minimal numbers of other insects,  which may be beneficial. It certainly makes the difference between being able to  use our outdoor living area anytime, day or evening, and having to go inside  because of the discomfort. I would have no hesitation in unreservedly recommending the Mosquito Management System.

It would be remiss of me not to comment  on the level of service I have had from your company - it comes like a breath of  fresh air. I am aware that, for so many firms on the Gold Coast, once they have got your money, they don't want to know you anymore. However, this is certainly not the case with Mosquito Management System. My machine is located on the western side of the house, where it catches all the hot afternoon sun. In the first month the  lactic lure ran out after about two weeks. I rang up and reported this and the  lure was replenished the same day at no cost to me. Towards the end of January  the lactic lure again ran out. I rang up and it was replenished on the same day, again without cost to me. If I ring up, I am greeted with friendliness and a genuine interest from your staff, which I find very gratifying. The level of  service from your firm cannot be faulted, and this I consider to be a great plus you have going for you. I hope that, when the firm grows much bigger, this level  of service does not slip due to time constraints.

Perhaps the fact that  the machine is constructed out of black plastic material, which is the worst  colour for attracting heat, has some bearing on the high rate of evaporation of lactic lure in locations such as mine. Whether some consideration could be given to using material of some other colour, I am not sure. May be that is something you may care to consider. However, I would consider more frequent replenishment  of the lure to be a small price to pay for the convenience of being able to sit  outside in comfort.

You are more than welcome to use this letter in any  way, and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you every success in the future. You have a good product, which works well and a great level of  service.

Yours sincerely,

Ian Cork